2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 3.0L Petrol · CT55 PLX

The most recent MOT test on 21 March 2025 resulted in a Pass, but four advisories were recorded which a prospective buyer should weigh carefully. The presence of an oil leak from the front of the engine, while not excessive at the time of test, is a progressive issue that warrants monitoring; a thorough underbonnet inspection for fresh oil residue, particularly around the front engine cover, camshaft adjuster solenoids, or front main seal area common to this Mercedes-Benz M111/M112 era, is advised. The advisory concerning rear subframe mounting corrosion in a prescribed area, although not deemed excessive, is significant because the rear subframe of the W208/W209 CLK is a known corrosion hotspot due to road salt and moisture trapping, and any buyer should inspect the subframe mounting points on a ramp for bubbling paint, flaking, or structural weakness. General surface rust on suspension and chassis components, combined with the offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, points to a vehicle that has been used but not neglected, though the tyre issue should be addressed before further mileage is accumulated. Looking at the broader MOT history, the trend is broadly stable but with clear recurring themes of brake disc corrosion, wheel distortion, and suspension-related wear appearing consistently across multiple tests, suggesting a vehicle that is being driven but is showing its age in predictable areas. With a recorded mileage of 83,933 miles spread across approximately 21 years, the annual average is around 3,997 miles per year, which is considerably below the national average and indicative of a vehicle that has either been used sparingly or has experienced extended periods of standing. The MOT history shows an irregular testing pattern with notable gaps, particularly between 2019 and 2020, and the test intervals suggest intermittent use, which is mechanically significant. Low annual mileage coupled with long standing periods tends to accelerate deterioration of rubber components, brake systems through corrosion and caliper binding, and the 12V battery, while reducing wear on internal drivetrain components. The relatively modest odometer reading should not lull a buyer into a false sense of security, as calendar-based degradation of fluids, seals, and electrical components will still have progressed substantially over two decades. The recurring advisories across multiple test cycles paint a clear picture of the mechanical focus areas for this particular CLK. Front and rear brake disc surface corrosion and pitting have been flagged in 2023 and 2024, and combined with the 2023 failure for front brake pads worn down to the wear indicator, the braking system has clearly been a maintenance priority. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for brake shudder under firm pedal application, which would indicate lateral disc runout from corrosion, and feel for any pulling to one side that could suggest a binding caliper. The repeated advisories for slightly distorted front road wheels, alongside the nearside front wheel bearing play noted in 2020 and 2021, suggest the front hub assemblies may now warrant closer inspection, with the buyer listening for any humming or droning that increases with speed and checking for vertical or horizontal play by hand when the wheel is lifted. The exhaust mounting brackets have been flagged as broken on both front mountings in 2020 and 2021, which while not dangerous, indicates a likely need for replacement heat shields or rubber hangers that will rattle under load. Given the age of the vehicle and the evident history of front tyre wear on both inner and outer edges, the buyer should be particularly attentive to suspension geometry and bush condition, as the CLK is known for wear in the front lower wishbone rear bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mount bearings. The 2023 advisory noting corrosion on the front anti-roll bar reinforces this and warrants a physical inspection for cracked or perished bushes. Tyres of 225/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear specification, particularly on a 21-year-old vehicle, are also subject to significant sidewall perishing and dry-rot regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than five years should be viewed with caution and replaced. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should verify the service history stamps and confirm that engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid have been changed at appropriate calendar intervals rather than purely by mileage, as time-based fluid degradation is a major concern on a low-mileage, long-owned vehicle of this vintage. A 12V battery health check, confirmation of recent cambelt or timing chain service if applicable to the specific engine variant, and a compression test or oil analysis would all provide additional reassurance. The 2020 failure for an illuminated engine management indicator is also worth investigating through a pre-purchase diagnostic scan to ensure no underlying fault codes are stored, particularly given the intermittent nature of low-mileage use which can mask developing sensor or emissions issues.